what's the REAL reason people drive slowly and stay in the left lane?

[luckydriver]

this is mostly anonymous on the board so tell me..why do you sit in the left lane doing 55 or 65 or whatever the limit is. (or even slower!!)

 

my guesses:

 

1. i pay the same road tax as you. too bad buddy

 

2. i have a left handed exit 10 miles ahead and i'm scared ill miss the exit

 

3. i'm doing the limit, u shouldnt be going faster and i'm gonna make SURE you dont

 

4. i'm too scared to change lanes

 

5. someone just made me drive behind them 10 miles slowly so you gotta do the same behind me

 

6. i love watching all the cars go by me on the right, they look so pretty

 

7. cars passed me? i had no idea

 

assuming you arent on the cell phone - legit reason for zoning out- and your car is in working order and there is TONS of space (at least 1/4 mile ahead and behind) i'd really love to know why you STAY in the left lane going 'slower' than the other traffic and fully well aware there's a mile of cars and trucks behind you (or u should know)..if you are boxed in, fine, i forgive that. i know you arent gonna go 70 to pass people but when there's allll that room there's just no excuse..and when 10 cars pass you on the right and you still dont move over. what is going thru your mind? inquiring minds wanna know.

 

also ignore the fact that it's illegal in PA. not relevent to common courtesy discussion

[visorboy1974]

I'd say 3 or 7.

 

I do get irritated at tailgaters so if they get right up on my bumper, I slow down.

[Tigz]

There are very few legit reasons for getting in the left lane and going slow.

 

1. You get in the left lane and suddenly a torrential rain breaks on you to where you can't see 5 feet in front of you.

2. You get in the left lane to pass several cars and find there is a long line of cars to the right. This is no excuse to go slow, but you aren't required to go 95 miles an hour either...if there is someone wanting to go 95, they will just have to wait until I can find a spot to get into the right hand lane.

 

3. variation of #2 above, you get into the left hand lane and there are a line of cars in both lanes so you are stuck where you are.

 

People who go slow in the left hand lane have a certain place in hell reserved for them.

Edited July 25, 2012 by Tigz

[TeeSharice]

my excuse?? Im a a-hole... I do it purposely when some jerk is a low riding fast car high beams be while Im already driving 72 in a 55.... I pull up and match the pace to the car in the immediate right lane & activate cruise control

 

 

 

eff u buddy!

[luckydriver]

i think i need more siggy space

[visorboy1974]

my excuse?? Im a a-hole... I do it purposely when some jerk is a low riding fast car high beams be while Im already driving 72 in a 55.... I pull up and match the pace to the car in the immediate right lane & activate cruise control

 

 

 

eff u buddy!

 

Oh yea, high beams will immediately get a 5 tapper on the brakes. Dicks!

[Tigz]

Excuse me, but why?

Flicking of headlights is a time honored method of letting some salamander know that someone is behind them.

 

They aren't being the ding-a-ling, someone who is in the passing lane who won't move over is being the prick.

[Echo_X]

The problem is people that consciously, or even unconsciously, drive with their high beams on. Their theory is "eh, it only blinds oncoming traffic.".. I will, and have, slowed down to 10 miles per hour to force someone to pass me because they refuse to turn off their beams. Sometimes they do turn them off, and as soon as I start to speed back up, they turn them on again, so I just slow back down.

 

The proper response to salamanders tailgating you with their high beams on is to have a companion in their car and have them shine one of these back into the drivers side of the jagoffs car untill they end up upside down in a ditch and on fire.

 

And if you are one of these people. Stop it. It gives people the creeps and makes them think they are being followed, it is not an all together unlikely way to get your self shot at if someone is twitchy enough. There are two times to date that people behaving this way have made me reach for the phone to call the police.. Luckily both times the guy quit following me before I had to...

[breeze]

Trying to get into the right lane, to take an exit on the right, and they won't let me in.

[Tigz]

Wait, are we talking about people who flash their headlights? or those that have their high beams on?

[pryan67]

I've never understood this:

 

 

Why is it legal to speed in the left lane, but not in the right or center lanes?

 

If there's room for the law abiding driver to move over to the right, why can't you simply go around him/her?

[MarvBear]

They need to GTFOMW. I simply can't handle that. Also happen to agree with Tee.

[visorboy1974]

Excuse me, but why?

Flicking of headlights is a time honored method of letting some salamander know that someone is behind them.

 

They aren't being the ding-a-ling, someone who is in the passing lane who won't move over is being the prick.

 

 

When I'm doing 20 over and you're still on my flowers? Freedom Unlimited, wait beyotch.

[Bad Doctor Frost]

I've started so I just go around them. I used to flash my high beams...people just don't know what that means anymore. I'll try it once and if they don't move over I'll just go around. I absolutely loathe bad drivers. One of my biggest pet peeves.

[Nostromo]

I CANNOT STAND speeders. Sure, maybe if someone is a few miles OTL and just wasn't paying attention, that's one thing. But every time I see an aggressive, GTFOMW driver on the highway, I can't help but wish that jackass goes flying into the guardrail.

 

Really, there's no reason for that. And if someone dipisht pulled that aggressive crap with me...well, then there would be hell to pay, cuz I don't tolerate stupidity on the road. If I'm going too slow in the fast lane, then whoever's behind me needs to deal with it.

 

End of story.

Edited July 26, 2012 by Nostromo

[Tigz]

Actually, Nos...in Louisiana, you are required to move to the right if you are impeding someone else.

 

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=88525

[zx10 guy]

assuming you arent on the cell phone - legit reason for zoning out-

 

And this is an acceptable reason?

 

Anyways, I'm a bit amazed with the self appointed law enforcement individuals that empower themselves to enforce speeding laws. If you're that concerned about speeding, let the offender drive by, get their license plate, and then call it in to the police. I find it pretty hypocritical that people think aggressive drivers or speeders are a danger on the road when the actions of these drivers who intentionally drive slower to impede the progress of said speeder/aggressive driver are guilty of the same offense.

 

I wish the US would adopt the driving standards of some European countries. Having been to Europe recently, I'm amazed by the night and day difference of how drivers behave over there. Regardless of whether you're driving below, at, or above the speed limit, the driver who is slower than the oncoming car will move over enough to the side of the road to allow the faster car to pass in designated passing zones. You do see the occassional knucklehead that just doesn't extend any courtesy but from what I observed it was the exception and not the rule.

 

Incidentally, there was a woman who was pulled over and cited by MD State Troopers for driving too slow and impeding traffic on I 70. She was camped out in the left lane doing 45 MPH in a 65 zone. Would not move over despite causing a huge back up behind her and creating a dangerous situation when frustrated drivers were finding any way to zoom past her. She didn't even pull over immediately when the cops initiated the traffic stop.

[Nostromo]

Actually, Nos...in Louisiana, you are required to move to the right if you are impeding someone else.

 

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=88525

 

Yes, I'm aware of that. . If I am in the passing lane, it's usually for just a few minutes to pass someone else, then move over. But my big issue are the people who just cannot wait a few precious seconds for me to move over. Tailgating, flashing beams, and aggressive driving in general, are just dangerous. I've seen way too many accidents caused by some fool who's driving far too close, because they're in a hurry and can't wait for the person in front to pull over.

[Nostromo]

assuming you arent on the cell phone - legit reason for zoning out-

 

And this is an acceptable reason?

 

Anyways, I'm a bit amazed with the self appointed law enforcement individuals that empower themselves to enforce speeding laws. If you're that concerned about speeding, let the offender drive by, get their license plate, and then call it in to the police. I find it pretty hypocritical that people think aggressive drivers or speeders are a danger on the road when the actions of these drivers who intentionally drive slower to impede the progress of said speeder/aggressive driver are guilty of the same offense.

 

I wish the US would adopt the driving standards of some European countries. Having been to Europe recently, I'm amazed by the night and day difference of how drivers behave over there. Regardless of whether you're driving below, at, or above the speed limit, the driver who is slower than the oncoming car will move over enough to the side of the road to allow the faster car to pass in designated passing zones. You do see the occassional knucklehead that just doesn't extend any courtesy but from what I observed it was the exception and not the rule.

 

Incidentally, there was a woman who was pulled over and cited by MD State Troopers for driving too slow and impeding traffic on I 70. She was camped out in the left lane doing 45 MPH in a 65 zone. Would not move over despite causing a huge back up behind her and creating a dangerous situation when frustrated drivers were finding any way to zoom past her. She didn't even pull over immediately when the cops initiated the traffic stop.

 

Actually, people who drive a recklessly ARE a danger....they don't call it "wreckless driving" for nothing. And someone driving the speed limit -- even in the "fast" lane is hardly comparable to someone wrecklessly driving 20 over and going from lane to lawne, tailgating everyone in sight.

[zx10 guy]

Actually, people who drive a recklessly ARE a danger....they don't call it "wreckless driving" for nothing. And someone driving the speed limit -- even in the "fast" lane is hardly comparable to someone wrecklessly driving 20 over and going from lane to lawne, tailgating everyone in sight.

 

And actually, people who intentionally provoke someone are also reckless drivers too. Again, you don't have to speed or tailgate someone to fall under that definition. In some jurisdictions, if you intentionally brake hard enough to cause someone to rear end you, you can also be charged for a moving violation.

[zx10 guy]

Actually, Nos...in Louisiana, you are required to move to the right if you are impeding someone else.

 

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=88525

 

Yes, I'm aware of that. . If I am in the passing lane, it's usually for just a few minutes to pass someone else, then move over. But my big issue are the people who just cannot wait a few precious seconds for me to move over. Tailgating, flashing beams, and aggressive driving in general, are just dangerous. I've seen way too many accidents caused by some fool who's driving far too close, because they're in a hurry and can't wait for the person in front to pull over.

 

It's because many times the person doesn't move over. We can generalize and play hypotheticals all day long. I also get annoyed with someone who is driving faster than me who doesn't give me enough time to move over. But from my observations (annecdotal) of driving in various areas across the country, most people don't move over. They don't get the clue until about 5 cars go zooming past. It should only take one person passing you on the right to give you the clue to move the F over. Also, these the same people who don't care they are stacking traffic up behind them. I think it's Colorado that has a law where if you have more than 3 vehicles stacked up behind you, you MUST move over to allow the cars to pass. It's just plain sad that someone has to legislate common sense.

[luckydriver]

i see we are expanding into headlight territory. i would never ever use headlites flashing. 100% rude. i think id honk before using headlights and i cant remember last time i even used the horn. only acceptable use of headlites is for truckers moving over etc.

 

i had 2 'lefties' yesterday on the way home...amazing that even though i passed 3 cars on the right and had 1/2 mile totally clear road, the car behind the leftie didnt do what i did. they prefer just to stay behind and ride their azz. weird. its not illegal to pass on the right so i dont get why they dont do it. maybe they are lefties themselves lol.

 

 

regarding the cell phone comment ...it is 'understandable' why someone woudl get zoned out and not move over. BUT for someone not on the phone or otherwise distracted there really is no excuse not to move over.

[pryan67]

Actually, Nos...in Louisiana, you are required to move to the right if you are impeding someone else.

 

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=88525

 

 

Nothing in there about speeding though...

 

in fact, the ONLY time you can be in the left lane at all is when you're passing a vehicle " under the rules governing such movement"

 

which would include speed laws

 

 

 

 

I'm NOT saying that slow drivers should stay in the left lane...nor am I saying that I never speed (on the contrary)....but it's not someone's "right" to speed...and if I'm doing 80 in a 65, and someone wants to do 95...they can go around me....their perceived rights don't trump mine....

 

that being said...if there ARE people who want to break the speed laws more than I am at the time, I'm happy to move over for them, then I'll get back in the left lane and let them run interference for me as far as speed traps go....it's nice to have a cloaking device like that

[zx10 guy]

i see we are expanding into headlight territory. i would never ever use headlites flashing. 100% rude. i think id honk before using headlights and i cant remember last time i even used the horn. only acceptable use of headlites is for truckers moving over etc.

 

i had 2 'lefties' yesterday on the way home...amazing that even though i passed 3 cars on the right and had 1/2 mile totally clear road, the car behind the leftie didnt do what i did. they prefer just to stay behind and ride their azz. weird. its not illegal to pass on the right so i dont get why they dont do it. maybe they are lefties themselves lol.

 

 

regarding the cell phone comment ...it is 'understandable' why someone woudl get zoned out and not move over. BUT for someone not on the phone or otherwise distracted there really is no excuse not to move over.

 

I don't see why head light flashing is rude. It was taught to me many moons ago in driver's ed to flash to pass. It's also built into many motorcycles to have a flash to pass button. It triggers the high beam on the bike and only stays on when the button/trigger is pressed. I find honking annoying and rude. Because the use of a horn is to usually signify some sort of impending incident on the road. Also with the way cars are built today along with other distractions in the car, it's not uncommon for the driver not to hear anyone honk. Especially at highway speeds.

 

 

Yep, I don't understand why some people just camp out behind a slower driver in the left lane rather than pass on the right to get around or to use passing zones. But by the definition of some people, what you did was considered an aggressive driving move. After all, you were weaving in and out of traffic.

 

On the cell phone comment. It's NOT understandable. If they are that distracted by using a cell phone, they need to pull their butt over to the side of the road if the phone conversation is that important. Being that distracted is not acceptable in regards to safety of everyone on the road.

[Tigz]

I was also taught to flash to pass. It is actually in the Florida Drivers Handbook to do so.

 

Most times (unless we are talking about someone who is just plain rude and inconsiderate) when people are in the left lane and don't mover over when a car comes up behind them, it is more than likely that they don't know the other car is back there. I think everyone has been guilty of this at least once, and probably more than once.

 

I don't run up on someones rear end and get all pissy when they don't immediately move over. However after I have been there a couple of minutes and it is obvious that they are oblivious to my being there, then I will flash them.

 

To answer Pyrans earlier answer about passing on the right....

In Florida, at least, you are not supposed to pass on the right. If a person is passing on the right, and the person on the left decides to move back into the right hand lane and sideswipes the person passing on the right......guess who is "at fault"? Yup, the person passing on the right....not the person who sideswiped him. (I always though it was stupid since it was obviously the left drivers fault, but I used to have to code and input traffic accidents, and saw it quite often on the reports)